Fillable and/or refillable tube

ABSTRACT

An improved fillable and/or refillable soft tube which provides for storage and use of various kinds of products such as fluids, lotions, paste, liquids, creams, gels, foams, etc. is provided. The said tubes comprises a hollow tubular body with a dispensing end and a fill and/or refill end; wherein the dispensing end comprises at least one opening adapted for dispensing the contents of the tube and the fill and/or refill end comprises of a sealable and/or resealable closure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to an improved fillable and/or refillable soft tube which provides for storage and use of various kinds of products such as fluids, lotions, paste, liquids, creams, gels, foams, etc.

2. Prior Art

Soft tubes used for packaging and storage of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and consumer products have been well known. Typically soft tube packaging has been advantageous in the packaging of fluids, lotions, paste, liquids, creams, gels, foams, etc. It is well known that these products may be packed in soft tubes having the top end closed with various spout and sealing configurations (such as a screw cap, flip cap, foldable nozzle, push button/toggle valve, etc.), while the bottom end is sealed or closed upon itself by rolling, milling, crimping, clamping, or welding. Such tubes may be available in a wide range of sizes and proportions to accommodate different product types and quantities.

Such known tubes have the disadvantage of being usable once only, after which they are discarded. Also, often times the original or ‘regular’ sized product tubes are not conveniently sized. For example, the tubes are either too large, especially for transport or for travel due to airport security container size regulation and/or are too inconvenient and heavy to carry around in a purse, gym bag or the like. Also, it is generally more economical to purchase in bulk—large wholesale sized products. The large quantity products are cumbersome and difficult to dispense from their original sized containers and are large, bulky and heavy to carry around. While these products can be transferred into smaller jars or containers, most jars or containers are not as easily deformable as soft tubes. Although soft tubes (typical tooth paste or sunscreen tubes) are easily deformable and can be made in small sizes, they are not easily or quickly refillable, especially small sized soft tubes. While it is possible to refill them through their small sized dispensing orifice, doing so is difficult and time consuming since their design is not optimized specifically for the purpose to be easily filled and/or refilled, and/or sealed, and/or resealed by the end user. On the other hand, a large orifice may make it difficult to control the dispensing quantities. The lack of reusability of the tubes also contributes to waste and harm to the environment.

Soft tubes for dispensing liquid, semisolid and pasty products have been known (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,199,737, U.S. Pat. No. 2,718,983). Generally, soft tubes comprise a dispensing orifice to dispense the contents of the tube. The dispensing end of the tube is generally made to taper, which may provide structural stability as well as provide a smaller dispensing orifice for a more controlled output/dispense. However, this taper or narrowing of the dispensing orifice for the purpose of a more controlled output makes it poorly suited for filling and/or refilling. Filling is typically done during manufacturing from the bottom end, after which, the bottom end is permanently crimped, folded, or welded closed.

EP0806344 relates to a new method to fill a dispenser with cyanoacrylate adhesive from the rear. The container is sealed by a pressed-in base section.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,609 describes a refillable soft tube that can be filled and/or refilled from the bottom end of the tube, which is closed or resealed by folding the bottom end upon itself after filling and is held closed by a third part, a clip. WO 93/10013 describes a refillable tube container with a screw cap at the bottom end of the tube. While refillable soft tube containers of the prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,609 and WO 93/10013) advantageously provide adequate refillability and resealability, they commonly suffer from a major disadvantage of the need to essentially include a third part, namely a clip, pin, or screw cap to clamp, wind, or screw closed the bottom end of the tube, (for the clip or pin, folded upon itself). Further, the process of resealing these refillable tubes of prior art, of folding the bottom end upon itself in order to slide or insert the clip or pin, can be messy, difficult to perform, complicated, and time consuming. In case the third part gets lost, the tube is rendered useless and/or requires the user to locate and purchase another pin, screw cap, and/or tube. The use of a screw cap at the end of a soft tube limits the deformability to effectively dispense the contents of the tube.

The object of the present invention is to avoid these disadvantages by providing a packaging tube that can be easily and quickly opened, filled and/or refilled, sealed and/or resealed closed by the user, and will not leak. A principal objective of the present invention is to incorporate a large area, sealable and/or resealable opening. Another objective is to provide a fillable/refillable soft tube that can be deformed easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fillable and or refillable soft tubes which can be used for packaging of semisolid and liquid compositions like fluids, gels, creams, lotions, foams etc. More particularly, the invention relates to a fillable and/or refillable tube comprising a hollow tubular body with a dispensing end and a fill and/or refill end; wherein the dispensing end comprises at least one opening adapted for dispensing the contents of the tube and the fill and/or refill end comprises of a sealable and/or resealable closure.

It is to be noted that the preferred embodiments disclosed in the specification and the accompanying drawings are not limiting the present invention; and that any process; construction, or characteristics that is same or similar to that of the present invention should fall within the scope of the purposes and claims of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a two or more part interlocking closure on the bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a screw type attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a two or more part interlocking closure on the bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a snap fit attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with two or more part interlocking closure in the form of strips attached to the bottom end of the soft tube and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a snap fit attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a two or more part interlocking closure with an optional slider on the bottom end and a screw cap closure attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a two or more part interlocking closure at a distance from the bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a screw type attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a two or more part interlocking closure in the form of strips attached at a distance from the bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a screw type attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative fillable/refillable soft tube with an adhesive strip closure on the bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a screw type attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative fillable/refillable soft tube with a one-way valve on the bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a welded type attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a one-way valve on the bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a welded type attachment with the soft tube.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on the same side of the closure, in the open position with the closure detached from the tube.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on the same side of the closure, in the open position with the closure detached from the tube.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on the same side of the closure, in the closed position with the closure attached to the tube.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on opposite sides of the closure, in the open position with the closure detached from the tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is hinged to the closing mechanism for the fill/refill opening.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on opposite sides of the closure, in the open position with the closure attached to the tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is hinged to the closing mechanism for the fill/refill opening.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on opposite sides of the closure, in the closed position with the closure attached to the tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is hinged to the closing mechanism for the fill/refill opening.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on opposite sides of the closure, in the open position with the closure unattached from the tube. Both closing mechanisms for the dispensing opening and fill/refill opening are hinged to the base of the closure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanism for the fill/refill opening is removable from the closure, with the closure unattached from the tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is hinged to the base of the closure, in the open position.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanism for the fill/refill opening is removable from the closure, with the closure attached to the tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is hinged to the base of the closure, in the open position.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanism for the fill/refill opening is removable from the closure, with the closure attached to the tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is hinged to the base of the closure in the closed position.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged to the base of the closure, in the open position with the closure attached to the tube.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is a push button/toggle valve mechanism, in the open position. The closing mechanism for the fill/refill opening is hinged to the base of the closure, in the open position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with,a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on the same side of the closure, in the open position with the closure detached from the tube. The closure has an optional clasp, in the open position.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on the same side of the closure, in the closed position with the closure attached to the tube. The closure has an optional clasp, in the closed position.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a large fill/refill opening and a closure with a snap fit attachment. The closure has a dispensing opening and a hinged closing mechanism for the dispensing opening, in the open position. The closure is detached from the tube.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft tube with a large fill/refill opening and a closure with a screw type attachment. The closure has a dispensing opening and a hinged closing mechanism for the dispensing opening, in the open position. The closure is detached from the tube.

DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a fillable and/or refillable tube comprising a hollow tubular body with a dispensing end (at the top of the tube) and a fill and/or refill end (at the bottom end of the tube); wherein the dispensing end comprises at least one opening adapted for dispensing the contents of the tube and the fill and/or refill end comprises of a sealable and/or resealable closure. The opening for dispensing the contents may also have a resealable closure. The different closure types for the dispensing end are generally well known. The tube may be made of any deformable material suitable for storage and dispensing of a variety of cosmetic products, such as but not limited to creams, lotions, pastes, gels, liquids, fluids, foams, etc.

An advantage of the filling and/or refilling orifice being at the bottom end is that it allows for a large area flexible and sealable/resealable opening. The filling/refilling orifice being at the bottom end also allows the dispensing end and/or orifice to be of any geometric shape, size or design without compromising the size of the filling/refilling orifice. The large area, flexible and sealable/resealable opening at the opposite end of the dispensing end provides a directional flow/circulation—the older fluids are in place to be dispensed sooner than the subsequently added newer fluids. The older fluids being dispensed before the newly added fluids are dispensed is beneficial because it reduces the need and/or frequency to fully empty and clean the soft tube of older and/or stale product.

The fill/refill tubes in accordance with the present invention can accommodate a wide variety of geometries, shapes, and designs of tubes. Circular shaped tubes in cross section (at the dispensing end) are volumetrically optimal to hold more product/fluid, however, less efficient due to the lack of deformability of the circular shaped dispensing end and cap. If the tube is a flattened or oval shape in cross section, a screw type mate with its closure will result in a smaller sized circular dispensing orifice, which is disadvantageous to filling/refilling through the dispensing orifice. Therefore, by integrating a large area flexible and sealable/resealable opening at the bottom end of the soft tube, the top dispensing end of the tube can be of any geometric shape or design without compromising the size of the filling/refilling orifice. By integrating a large area, flexible and sealable/resealable opening in a soft tube, the user of a soft tube according to the present invention can quickly fill the container with fluids and/or large objects that would not otherwise transverse the dispensing opening. An advantage of this embodiment is that the soft tube can be deformed as it normally can. Moreover, the user may have the ability to manually clean and dry the inside of the flexible soft tube. In addition, the mixing of particles or fluids is greatly enhanced.

The dispensing end of the said tube typically comprises an orifice large enough to dispense the contents of the tube. The shape and/or size of the orifice may be varied depending upon the flowability/viscosity of the contents and/or upon desired rate of dispensing flow of the contents. In an embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the dispensing end may be further provided with one or more closures. Alternatively, the closure may also have an orifice suitable to dispense the contents of the tube, as well as a mechanism to close the orifice. The different closure types for the dispensing end are generally well known. In a preferred embodiment, the closure has an air and water-tight seal. In another preferred embodiment, the dispensing end is provided with an air-tight closure with a push button (toggle open and close valve) mechanism (described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,581 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,777) which has a snap-fit mate with the dispensing end of the tube. In a third preferred embodiment the dispensing end is provided with an air-tight closure with a flip cap mechanism which has a snap-fit mate with the dispensing end of the tube. In another preferred embodiment, the closure has a screw type mate with the dispensing end of the tube. In another embodiment, the closure is welded or attached via adhesive or the like with the dispensing end of the tube.

The filling and/or refilling end of the said tube is generally an orifice suitable to fill and/or refill the tube with the desired products or contents. The size of the fill and/or refilling end may be varied but is large enough to enable the user to fill and/or refill the tube through this opening. The fill/refill end of the tube is provided with a closure.

In one embodiment of this aspect, the bottom (fill/refill) end comprises a sealable and/or resealable closure comprising of a two or more part interlocking, fluid impervious, flexible seal closure commonly known as Ziploc. The flexible two or more part interlocking fluid impervious seal closure may be formed with the body of the tube (as in FIGS. 1 and 2) or may be securely attached to the tube in the form of strips (as in FIG. 3) or by other known methods of manufacture. In order to attach the two or more part closure to the tube, the filling/refilling end of the tube may first be flattened. A first part of the two or more part fluid impervious closure is attached to one half of the inside portion of the tube. A second part of the two or more part fluid impervious closure is attached to the opposite one half of the inside portion of the tube, in alignment with the first part. The method of attachment may be weld, bond, adhesive or formed with the body of the tube. In order to permit the insertion of the two or more part closure in the flattened tube, it may be necessary that the two or more part closure be slightly shorter than the width of the flattened tube. In order to make the container fluid tight, it may be necessary to seal by crimp, weld, or adhesive, etc the points where the two strips touch or come together with the creases of the flattened tube. In another method to attach the strips to the tube, the filling/refilling end of the tube may again be flattened. After flattening the end of the tube, the corners or creases of the flattened portion may be cut or stretched a length great enough to allow insertion of the two or more part closure into the tube. The method of attachment may be weld, crimp, bond, and/or adhesive. In order to make the container fluid tight, it may be necessary to seal by crimp, weld, or adhesive, etc the points where the two strips touch or come together with the creases of the flattened tube.

The two or more part interlocking closure generally comprises a rib or hook portion on one part that mates with a complimentary channel to receive the rib on the second part when in a closed state. According to another feature of the invention, the two or more part interlocking, fluid tight, and sealing mechanism may be single, double or more interlocking parts/seals (one or more ribs to be received by one or more channels) to secure from leakage and remain closed despite possible internal and/or external pressures. The closure is suitably adapted to withstand relatively high hydrostatic pressures that might be encountered when the soft tube is subject to manipulation, such as squeezing, changes in air pressure (changes in altitude during travel), etc. The point of connection or attachment of the tube and two or more part closure may be at an angle and/or may be hinged to help relieve pressures that could cause unintended separation of the two or more part interlocking seal, especially when the tube is handled, squeezed, and/or subject to other external or internal hydrostatic or other pressures. The two or more part closure may also have one or more flanges to facilitate the opening or separation of the interlocking seal when desired. Two or more part interlocking resealable closures that can be used in the present invention are well known and described in prior art (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,109, U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,094, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,394).

Optionally, the two or more part interlocking seal may be slightly further from the bottom end of the tube, going partially or all the way around the tube (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A soft tube according to this embodiment may additionally comprise a two or more part interlocking closure on a circumferential segment along the body of the tube. The tube so manufactured reduces the internal and/or external pressures exerted on the interlocking closure (Ziploc) that can result in unintended separation, and in turn leakage of fluid/product. By placing the interlocking closure along the side of the tube rather than at the end, the internal and/or external forces are not as directly transmitted to the interlocking portions of the closure.

The two or more part interlocking seal or Ziploc may additionally comprise a water and/or air tight slider as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,181 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,621 to assist in the separation and combination of the interlocking seal (see FIG. 4). Optionally the two or more part interlocking closure may be colored on one or both sides (U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,786 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,321). According to another feature of the invention, the two or more part interlocking, fluid tight, and sealing mechanism may be single, double or more interlocking parts/seals (one or more ribs to be received by one or more channels) to secure from leakage and remain closed despite possible internal and/or external pressures.

In another embodiment of this aspect, the sealable and/or resealable closure comprises an adhesive. Preferably the adhesive does not react with, interfere with, degrade and/or fail if and when it comes in contact with the contents of the tube. A temporary or permanent, preferably reusable/resealable, and/or pressure-sensitive adhesive, preferably in the form of an adhesive strip can be placed on one or both sides inside surface of the filling/refilling end of the tube, located either at the end or at a distance from the end of the tube. The adhesives may also be heat-activated, solvent-based and/or water-based adhesives which may in strips or otherwise applied at the end or at a distance from the end of the tube. In the case with two adhesive strips or components, the adhesive may comprise of two distinct portions that react and/or adhere to each other and form a seal when they come in contact together. The adhesive strips may have a removable liner applied over the adhesive strip for protection prior to use. The adhesive strip may be suitably adapted to withstand relatively high hydrostatic pressures that might be encountered when the soft tube is subject to manipulation, such as squeezing, changes in air pressure (changes in altitude during travel), etc. The adhesive strip may be attached to the dispensing end of the tube either directly or by means of a hinge to relieve pressures that could cause unintended separation of the adhesive seal, especially when the tube is handled, squeezed, and/or subject to other external or internal hydrostatic or other pressures. There may also be one or more flanges which extend past the adhesive to facilitate the opening or separation of the adhesive seal when desired.

In another embodiment of this aspect, the sealable and/or resealable closure comprises a flexible one way valve. One way valves, control valves, and/or duckbill valves, are generally used to regulate pressure and/or flow in a variety of different applications. Such valves are typically one-way, self-sealing valves, which allow fluid flow in one direction but prevent fluid flow in the opposite direction (U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,551). In a preferred embodiment, a flattened duckbill valve is provided that has a flattened flexible elastomeric body with first and second ends, the first end having outer walls tapering to an elongate slit, the second end having an outer and inner wall terminating in an open mouth. The second end, or end with an open mouth, is attached (watertight attachment) to the filling/refilling end of the tube. The attachment or seal between the valve and tube can be selected from any type of seal, including but not limited to heat welds, adhesive bonds, cohesive bonds and combinations thereof. It is preferred that the open mouth is of an oval, football, or flattened shape in cross section. The tube is filled/refilled by either inserting a nozzle or elongated dispenser tip into the open mouth of the duckbill valve partially or fully through the length of the valve, separating and opening the slit of the valve. The contents pass through the nozzle or dispenser tip, through the one-way valve, and into the body of the tube. The sides of the valve, at the joining corners of the slit, and tube may also be squeezed towards each other to assist in the opening or separation of the valve and/or slit. After filling/refilling, the nozzle or dispenser tip may be removed to allow the valve and/or slit to return to the closed position. Once the slit is closed, it forms a watertight seal, restricting back flow out of the tube through the valve.

In another aspect of the present invention is provided a fill/refill tube comprising a hollow tubular body and at least one open end, the said open end in contact with a closure; the said closure comprising at least two openings wherein one opening is a first orifice suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube and the second opening is a second orifice suitably adapted for filling the contents of the tube and the two openings having separate means of closing or resealing.

The closure can be of any geometry or shape such as circular, ovular, rectangular, etc.

The large opening on the closure, for filling/refilling, comprises a first resealing mechanism, such as a flip cap. The first resealing mechanism can either be removable or it can be attached to the closure via hinge or other means. If the first resealing mechanism is removable, methods for attachment to the closure, in the closed position, may be a snap, screw, or friction fit. The opening(s) for dispensing may be located on the first resealing mechanism that closes the large filling/refilling opening. The opening(s) for dispensing is closed with a second resealing mechanism, such as a flip cap or push button/toggle release valve as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,581 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,777. During dispensing, the first resealing mechanism remains in the closed position. It is preferred that the first resealing mechanism can securely stay in the closed position during dispensing, to avoid unintentional spilling or overflow. The first resealing mechanism can be removed or hinged open to fill/refill the tube.

In a preferred embodiment, both resealing mechanisms for closing the dispensing and the filling/refilling openings are attached via hinges. This arrangement/embodiment provides for easy use of both fill/refill and dispensing openings without the detachment or removal of either resealing mechanism, preventing its loss or need to find a place to set it down while filling/refilling the tube. The hinges may both be on the same side of the closure, on alternating sides, or at different locations along the side of the closure.

In a further preferred embodiment, the hinges are at alternating sides or are at different locations. Such an arrangement avoids unintentional opening of the wrong/undesired resealing mechanism. Another means to prevent unintended opening of the larger filling/refilling opening when the user is trying to open the dispensing opening is to have an additional clasp to hold the resealing mechanism for the filling/refilling orifice in the closed position (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

In another preferred embodiment, the closure may comprise one hinge to access the larger filling/refilling orifice and then a push button/toggle release valve to open the smaller dispensing orifice. Likewise, this embodiment provides for easy use of both fill/refill and dispensing openings without the detachment or removal of either resealing mechanism, preventing its loss or need to find a place to set it down while filling/refilling the tube.

The opening on the tubular body in contact with a closure is large enough to enable easy filling/refilling of the tube. The opening on the tubular body may adequately mate and provide a watertight seal with the closure. The different mating types between the closure and the tube are generally well known. The mating type between the closure and tubular body include but are not limited to screw-type, snap fit or a welded attachment. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing end of the tube is provided with an air-tight closure which has a snap-fit mate. In another preferred embodiment, the closure has a screw type mate with the dispensing end of the tube. In another embodiment, the closure is welded, permanently attached, and/or attached via adhesive or the like with the dispensing end of the tube.

The tubes in accordance with this aspect comprise a large opening which enables easy filling/refilling and also provides easy opening and closing of the fill/refill opening. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the closure with two openings can be of any geometric shape including but not limited to circular, oval or rectangular cross sections. The desired shape can be selected by one skilled in the art on the basis of aesthetics, ease of handling, and/or ease or cost of manufacturing. Some shapes can be more effective in dispensing the product (oval or flattened shapes are more easily deformable than circular ones) and/or aesthetically pleasing.

In another aspect of the present invention is provided a fill/refill tube comprising a hollow tubular body and at least one open end, the said open end in contact with a closure; the said closure comprises a smaller opening suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube. The hollow tubular body comprises a large opening suitably adapted for filling/refilling the tube.

The size of the opening for filling/refilling and the opening for dispensing may be suitably varied depending upon the flowability/viscosity of the contents to be dispensed and filled/refilled. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the opening for filling/refilling orifice is larger than that of the dispensing orifice.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure has a smaller orifice suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube. The smaller dispensing orifice on the closure also has a resealing mechanism, such as a flip cap or push button/toggle release valve. The closure forms a fluid and air tight seal with the body of the tube. The tube is filled/refilled by removing the closure. The closure can be removably attached to the soft tube by various means as can be determined by one skilled in the art, such as but not limited to screw type or snap-fit mates with the tube.

An advantage of this design is that the method of opening the dispensing orifice (flip cap or push button/toggle) is different from the method of opening the filling/refilling orifice (pull, screw, or twist off motion), reducing unintended opening of the filling/refilling orifice when opening the dispensing orifice.

When a tube that is shaped oval or flattened, in cross section, is desired, it is preferred that the tube mating with the closure be of snap fit to allow for maximum size filling/refilling opening size.

The soft tubes can be made of a material that has deformable qualities but also has the ability to be reused. The material selected is such that it deforms to allow the dispensing of the product/contents. However, the material also has the ability to return to its original shape without permanent deformation of the material. Generally, the tube may be made of a material selected from but not limited to materials that can be repeatedly bent without fracturing such as flexible packaging material, deformable thermoplastic, metal, resin, plastic, silicones, rubbers, low density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, nylon, recyclable plastics, bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, various impregnated and/or laminated fibrous materials, various plasticized materials, etc. and combinations thereof. Flexible packaging materials that are pliant and capable of undergoing a large variety of changes in shape, such as bending, squeezing, creasing, folding, rolling, etc. with substantially little or no damage thereto in response to the action of an applied force. The material is soft enough to deform and the tube, to a certain extent, is able to stay collapsed due to airtight nature of the tube. After the contents are dispensed, the tube can either return to its natural or original shape or it can stay deformed upon closing of the tube. Materials for the closure may include packaging material such as deformable thermoplastic, metal, resin, plastic, silicones, rubbers, low density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, nylon, various impregnated and/or laminated fibrous materials, recyclable plastics, bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, various plasticized materials, etc. and combinations thereof. Materials for the valve may include elastomeric materials, flexible materials, deformable thermoplastics, rubbers, silicones, ethylene, propylene, styrene, butadiene, acrylonitrile, etc and combinations thereof.

All of the tubes can optionally be decorated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a fillable/refillable tube comprising a hollow tubular body (1), a dispensing orifice (2) at the top end (10) of the tube and a filling/refilling orifice (3) at the bottom end (9) of the tube. The filling/refilling orifice comprises a two or more part interlocking, fluid impervious, flexible seal closure (5) which permits sealing and reasealing of the filling/refilling orifice. The two or more part closure may comprise flanges (12) to facilitate the opening or separation of the interlocking seal when desired. The two or more part closure (and flanges) may be welded or crimped (18) at their edges to secure a seal. The top end of the tube comprises a closure (14) sealing the dispensing orifice. The said closure may be attached to the top end of the tube by means of a thread (16) for screw mating (as in FIG. 1), or attached by other means such as a snap fit (as in FIG. 2). The closure may also have a dispensing orifice (2) on the closure base (23). The closure base (23) may further comprise a resealing mechanism (4) for the dispensing orifice attached to the closure base by means of a hinge joint (13).

FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft tube in accordance with the invention in which the two or more part interlocking closure is in the form of strips which may be attached by means of welding (19) or other means of (air and water tight) attachment to the bottom end of the soft tube (9).

FIG. 4 shows a tube in accordance with the present invention with water tight and air tight slider (8) to assist in the easy opening and closing of the two or more part interlocking closure (5).

FIGS. 5 & 6 show one embodiment of the present invention with a two or more part interlocking, fluid impervious, flexible seal closure (5) at a distance from the bottom end. The bottom end of the tube is sealed by crimping (18). The two or more part interlocking closure may be formed with the body of the tube (as in FIG. 5) or may be in the form of strips (as in FIG. 6) and attached to the tube by means of welding (19) or other means of attachment.

FIG. 7 shows a tube in accordance with the present invention comprising an adhesive strip (6) to seal the filling/refilling orifice. The adhesive strip may comprise a removable liner (7) applied over the adhesive strip for protection prior to use. After the removal of the protective liner, the tube may be sealed by flattening the tube body, joining the adhesives or the adhesive and the tube body. A closure (14) is attached to the tube by screw type attachment (16).

FIGS. 8 & 9 show a tube in accordance with the present invention with a one way valve (20) to seal/reseal the filling/refilling orifice (3) at the bottom end (9) of the tube. The open mouth of the one way valve (22) extends into an elongated slit (21) into the tube body. The one way valve allows unidirectional flow of the contents into the tube. The one way valve may form a water and air tight attachment to the bottom of the tube by means of welding (19) as disclosed in FIG. 9 or other means of attachment.

FIGS. 10, 11, & 12 show a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing. The tube comprises a hollow tubular body (1) with a filling/refilling orifice (3) on the top end (10) of the tube and on the base (23) of closure 14. Closure (14) is attached to the top end of the tube by means of a snap fit (FIGS. 11 and 12). A second closure (15) is provided to seal the filling/refilling orifice and may be attached to the base (23) by means of a hinge joint (13). The said closure further comprises the dispensing orifice (2) which can be sealed with closure (4) which may be attached to closure 15 by means of another hinge joint. The bottom end of the tube (9) is sealed by crimping (18) as shown in the figures or alternatively may be sealed by folding, welding, or the like.

FIGS. 13, 14, & 15 show a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closure 15 is attached to the base (23) of closure 14 by a first hinge joint and closure 4 is attached to closure 15 by a second hinge joints on the opposite side of the first hinge joint.

FIG. 16 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closures 15 and 4 are both attached to the base (23) of closure (14) by hinge joints on the opposite sides.

FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 show a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein a removable closure (15) sealing the fill/refill opening is attached to the base (23) of closure 14 by snap fit and a closure (4) sealing the dispensing orifice is permanently attached to the base (23) of closure 14 by a hinge joint.

FIG. 20 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closure 15 resealing the filling/refilling opening and closure 4 resealing the dispensing opening are attached to the base (23) of closure 14 by means of a hinge joint.

FIG. 21 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closure 4 resealing the dispensing orifice (2) is a push button/toggle valve closure. Closure 4 is located on closure 15. Closure 15 seal/reseals the filling/refilling orifice. Closure 15 may be attached to the base (23) of closure 14 by means of a hinge joint.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closure 4 may be attached to closure 15, and closure 15 may be attached to the base (23) of closure 14 by hinge joints. The tube additionally comprises clasp (11) to secure closure (15) in a closed position while not filling/refilling the tube to prevent unintended opening of closure 15 when opening closure 4.

FIG. 24 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing. The tube comprises a hollow tubular body (1) with a filling/refilling orifice (3) on the top end (10) of the tube. The closure for the filling/refilling orifice 15 is attached to the top end of the tube by a snap fit arrangement. The said closure further comprises the dispensing orifice (2) which can be sealed with closure (4) which may be attached to closure 15 by means of another hinge joint.

FIG. 25 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein the closure 15 for filling/refilling is attached to the top end of the tube by a screw type arrangement (16). 

1. A fillable/refillable tube comprising a hollow tubular body, a dispensing end and a fill/refill end; wherein the dispensing end comprises at least one opening adapted for dispensing the contents of the tube and the fill/refill end comprises of a sealable and/or resealable closure.
 2. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealable and/or resealable closure comprises of a two or more part interlocking, fluid impervious, flexible seal closure.
 3. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealable and/or resealable closure comprises of a flexible one-way valve comprising a hollow body with first and second ends, the first end having an open mouth and the second end having an elongate slit which can be secured in an open and closed position.
 4. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealable and/or resealable closure comprises an adhesive on one or more sides of the filling/refilling end of the tube.
 5. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tubular hollow body made of a material selected from flexible packaging material, deformable material deformable thermoplastic, metal, resin, plastic, silicones, rubbers, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, nylon, recyclable plastics, bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, various impregnated and/or laminated fibrous materials, various plasticized materials, etc. and combinations thereof.
 6. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 2 wherein the two or more part interlocking closure runs along a circumferential segment along the body of the tube.
 7. A fill/refill tube comprising a hollow tubular body and at least one open end, the said open end in contact with a closure; the said closure comprising at least two openings wherein one opening is a first orifice suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube and the second opening is a second orifice suitably adapted for filling/refilling the contents of the tube.
 8. A fill/refill tube as claimed in claim 7 wherein the closure mating type with the tube is selected from a screw-type, snap fit, welded closure, or the like.
 9. A fill/refill tube as claimed in claim 7 wherein the tubular hollow body made of a material selected from flexible packaging material, deformable material, deformable thermoplastic, metal, resin, plastic, silicones, rubbers, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, nylon, recyclable plastics, bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, various impregnated and/or laminated fibrous materials, various plasticized materials, etc. and combinations thereof.
 10. A fill/refill tube comprising a hollow tubular body and at least one open end (wherein the open end is a large orifice suitably adapted for filling/refilling the contents of the tube), the said open end in contact with a closure; the said closure comprising at least one opening wherein the opening is an orifice suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube; the said dispensing orifice further sealed by a second closure. 